I'm looking to buy an interface of some sort, with ADAT out. I'm using
a Fostex VF-160 recorder and I need 8 channels of ADAT to be able to
use all 16 inputs.

I don't know anything about ADAT, so I don't know what to buy or how to
read the ads critically. For one, is the ADAT connector on the VF-160
the only type of connector for ADAT? Is it possible I could buy
something that turns out to be incompatible with my recorder, even
though it has ADAT out?

And do I need a clock? I don't believe the VF-160 has a clock input;
if it uses a clock, does that come in on the ADAT connector? The
Fostex manual says to connect a Fostex VM-88 or VC-8 to the recorder's
ADAT input; if these devices have some sort of clock on the ADAT line,
then I assume my interface needs to provide one there also.
(Hopefully, these aren't the only way to use the ADAT inputs on the
recorder!)

I'd like to grab an all-in-one unit, while I'm at it, if such a thing
exists. Say, 8 channels of analog in, in any combination of mic-level
and line-level. Using the analog outputs should be just like direct
outs on a board, ie, transparent. Digital out should be the 8 channels
on one ADAT line, and also on FireWire. S/PDIF might be cool to have
as well.

The closest thing I've come across so far is a MOTU 896HD, but it looks
like that can only be controlled with a computer? Their ad says that
if you need to take the box to a gig, you program it at home first.
WTF, over? Am I the only person that doesn't know the exact channel
layout prior to every gig? Does this programming include things like
Line/Mic level settings, or preamp gain?

Is there a product that's powerful enough and flexible enough (and with
good preamps in it) to do all this, and talk to a Fostex VF-160
recorder reliably? Anyone have any recommendations?

Also, is there an "ADAT For Dummies" someone might recommend? A book,
a mag article, a web page, whatever?

Thanks in advance.

Fred